Professionals Reported AI-Driven Productivity Gains
A new survey found that workers in Saudi Arabia and the UAE are seeing increased efficiency from AI adoption.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Artificial Intelligence
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The Korn Ferry Workforce 2026 Global Insights Report revealed that a majority of professionals in Saudi Arabia and the UAE feel positive about AI tools. Despite these gains, many workers report that artificial intelligence has increased their expected tasks and left them feeling stretched.
Why it matters
The findings highlight a growing tension between technological efficiency gains and the rising burden of expectations placed on the modern workforce. This trend suggests that while AI tools improve output, they may also be contributing to increased employee burnout.
The survey analyzed 16,000 professionals globally, including 500 respondents each in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Data indicates 64% of Saudi and 59% of UAE professionals report that AI tools have directly increased their total task expectations.
The players
Korn Ferry
This global organizational consulting firm provides research and data-driven insights on workplace trends and workforce development.
The details
Participants ranging from individual contributors to CEOs reported feeling stretched beyond their capabilities, with 58% of Saudi and 50% of UAE respondents feeling too busy to deliver meaningful results. Although enthusiasm for the technology remains high, with 81% of Saudi and 76% of UAE professionals expressing positive sentiment, the operational pressure appears to be mounting.
Timeline
The Korn Ferry Workforce 2026 Global Insights Report was published in 2026.
A survey regarding role expansion was released in August 2026.
The Tech Race
This development marks a shift in the artificial intelligence arms race from simple tool deployment to the management of human-AI collaboration. It underscores a departure from early predictions that viewed automation solely as a replacement for labor, showing instead how AI is expanding individual job requirements.
Employees may find their daily responsibilities shifting as AI tools automate routine processes but increase overall task volume. Professionals should prepare for evolving workload expectations as companies seek to balance new efficiency gains with increased output demands.
The takeaway
The rapid integration of AI suggests that productivity tools often lead to a 'more-for-less' work culture rather than a reduction in hours. Workers should prioritize clear communication with management regarding capacity to ensure that improved efficiency does not result in burnout.
Further reading
Learn more about the broader impacts of this technology in the Artificial Intelligence section.
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Do you feel that using AI tools at your job is improving your overall career experience?
